Deprivation, social class and social mobility at Big Four and non-Big Four firms

Abstract

Using the work of Bourdieu and Savage, this paper investigates social class and social mobility among chartered accountants who qualified with The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland in 2009. We find that these accountants tend to come from privileged backgrounds and that those who qualified with Big Four firms possess more economic, social and cultural capital than those who qualify with other firms. Our study provides fresh insights into how elements of social class interact with social background. In contrast with the prevailing view that there is limited social mobility in the accountancy profession, we find some evidence of social mobility, suggesting that current debates are based on contestable assumptions. We also find that chartered accountants from more deprived backgrounds as indicated by childhood postcode often have a father who has a professional or managerial occupation, so are not deprived on all measures. Where those from more deprived backgrounds accessed chartered accountancy careers, this was at the expense of people whose parents held lower rather than higher professional or managerial jobs. This suggests that the most advantaged maintain access to chartered accountancy but those from more middling professional homes are displaced when those from more deprived backgrounds gain access.

Determining factors of labour market outcomes for recently graduated, underrepresented college students

“…Among them, the studies that examined a gender gap that favours male employees should be highlighted (Frear et al., 2019; Martin, 2017). Similarly, other studies have shown that age, marital status, and socioeconomic status also affect employment outcomes (Jackson, 2014; Paisey et al., 2020).…”

“…The debate about integrating new students into higher education, however, has lacked deeper reflection on how to support the career development of socially underrepresented graduates. While helping students be successful during post-high school education is a highly relevant matter, it is also important to examine the way in which these new students join the labour market, since it is known that they face greater challenges when developing their careers (Garriott, 2020; Gibbons & Woodside, 2014; Paisey et al., 2020).…”

Linguistic Tensions in a Professional Accounting Field: English Linguistic Capital, Hierarchy, Prestige, and Distinction Among Accountants†

“…Other studies indicate how cultural capital, accrued from prestigious education and qualifications, is key to gaining distinction in accountancy (Ashley and Empson 2017; Spence et al 2017). Spence et al (2015) link professional power and distinction to globalization after exploring how, in four Western countries (United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Canada), the terms for promotion to partner levels in Big 4 firms are closely aligned with economic capital (see also Barrett et al 2005; Harvey et al 2020; Paisey et al 2020).…”

Violations of Islamic Law in Male–Female Relations: The Shifting of Nyubuk Tradition of the Customary Peoples of Lampung

“…The term 'social mobility' was first introduced in 1920, being used broadly by Sorokin to refer to the movement of individuals within social spaces. It is often used to refer to the movement of individuals within the social hierarchy, often as a result of individuals' efforts to increase their power, status, or prestige (Paisey, Paisey, Tarbert, & Wu, 2020). Mobility has been strongly influenced by industrialization and economic development; at the same time, however, it has been positively correlated with income gaps and immigration (Yaish & Andersen, 2012).…”